Effect of yearling steer sequence grazing of perennial and annual forages in an integrated crop and livestock system on grazing performance, delayed feedlot entry, finishing performance, carcass measurements, and systems economics.

In a 2-yr study, spring-born yearling steers (n = 144), previously grown to gain <0.454 kg·steer-1·d-1, following weaning in the fall, were stratified by BW and randomly assigned to three retained ownership rearing systems (three replications) in early May. Systems were 1) feedlot (FLT), 2) steers that grazed perennial crested wheatgrass (CWG) and native range (NR) before FLT entry (PST), and 3) steers that grazed perennial CWG and NR, and then field pea-barley (PBLY) mix and unharvested corn (UC) before FLT entry (ANN).

Biotechnology: the healthy choice?

Production agriculture is rapidly adopting plant hybrids derived in part from methods of genetic modification (GM), or biotechnology. Consumers in the US are largely unaware of the prevalence of GM in the food chain, and food processors and regulators are uncertain as to how to communicate the benefits of GM to end users. Simultaneously, the nation is demanding healthier foods, one variety of which promises health benefits beyond basic nutrition, the class of which is often referred to as functional foods.